Chapter 198: The Spirit Pearl’s Paradise

Having sealed the partnership, Lan An reiterated, "What benefits does the Harem gain as Duo Bao Pavilion's ally?"

Cheng Bi and Bao Qiao shot him playful glares. He'd just secured 900,000 Supreme Spirit Stones, yet was already probing for more. Still, his pragmatism endeared him to them far better than hypocritical gentlemen.

"Allied privileges are few, as Duo Bao Pavilion focuses on commerce, not conflicts," Bao Qiao said, her smile radiant. "But even Eighth-grade factions lack these. First, access to restricted items not sold publicly. Second, key intelligence at friendly prices. Lastly, protection within our limits, provided it doesn't violate our non-combat rule."

"Can you scatter those starving dogs outside?" Lan An asked, grinning.

"No. That would entangle us in disputes with countless factions, breaking our non-combat rule," Bao Qiao replied, shaking her head apologetically.

Duo Bao Pavilion's success hinged on strict adherence to neutrality. Even the Pavilion Master wouldn't bend this for anyone.

Fearing Lan An's disappointment, Cheng Bi added, "We can't disperse the crowd, but we can provide an Integration expert escort to ensure your safe departure, or lend our teleportation array to a city ten thousand li away, where they'd struggle to track you."

Duo Bao Pavilion's arrays reached other cities, but the continent-spanning one used to save Ji Ya was a rare treasure, with only one in their possession.

Lan An pondered, choosing teleportation. His identity was hidden; reaching a distant city and resuming his true appearance would thwart pursuers. An Integration escort felt like overkill for mere chickens, and he disliked owing Duo Bao Pavilion excessive favors unnecessarily.

His master's promise a Transcending Tribulation expert and Eighth Revolution Body Cultivator gave him confidence against Integration ambushes. True strength was his own.

"For future contact, reach the Harem through Hai Hong Sect, but keep it strictly confidential," Lan An instructed seriously.

"No issue. We guarantee client privacy," the women said confidently.

"If you need us, use the VIP token at any branch. Someone will facilitate contact," Cheng Bi added.

"Excellent. I'm pleased with Duo Bao Pavilion," Lan An nodded, then produced two jade bottles, pressing them into their hands. "A meeting gift, and thanks to Cheng Bi for aiding Ya'er and Bing'er."

Each bottle held ten Beauty Nourishing Pills, solely for them.

His women, seeing the gesture's propriety, had no objections.

"We won't be polite with you," the women laughed, knowing his wealth. Only fools would refuse.

"I've one more request," Lan An said, grasping Xiao Qing Xuan's soft hand.

"What is it? As long as it follows our rules, we'll assist," they asked, curious. With two Golden List fairies in his Harem, capable of crushing most Seventh-grade factions, what could he need?

Xiao Qing Xuan gazed at him tenderly, understanding his intent. She spoke gravely, "The Harem seeks a female Transcending Tribulation skeleton, Blood Coagulation Herb, Organ Heaven Fruit, Million-Year Ginseng, and any Heaven-grade Supreme-tier spirit herb for soul restoration."

"The Harem aims to forge a Transcending Tribulation body?" Cheng Bi and Bao Qiao gasped.

Their knowledge instantly deduced the materials' purpose.

"Exactly. Does Duo Bao Pavilion have them?" Lan An asked, voice low.

Xiao Qing Xuan gripped his hand, her heart swelling. Though her master remained silent, she was deeply moved. Her disciple and beloved sought to resurrect her, even leveraging a new partnership. How could she not be touched?

Ji Ya and Shui Niang Qing sat quietly, unaware of Xiao Qing Xuan's master but noting the materials for the Harem's sake.

Cheng Bi and Bao Qiao exchanged glances, a flicker of shock in their eyes.

The Harem's request wasn't random they likely possessed a Transcending Tribulation soul. If successful, the Harem would rival Lan Zhou's top factions.

Duo Bao Pavilion had chosen the right partner.

Inhaling deeply, Bao Qiao said, "These are rare, some extinct on Lan Zhou. But we have two: a Blood Coagulation Herb and a Heaven-grade Supreme-tier Soul Recovery Peach for soul restoration."

"Wonderful!" Xiao Qing Xuan leapt into Lan An's arms, trembling with excitement. Two materials found in one inquiry!

Lan An, elated, asked, "Can you sell them now?"

"These aren't typically sold, but your Harem's privileges apply. We'll offer them at a friendly price," Cheng Bi said, smiling.

"Thank you," Xiao Qing Xuan bowed sincerely, her joy uncontainable.

"They're at headquarters. Delivery to Emei takes three days. You can rest here," Bao Qiao suggested.

"No problem," Lan An and the women nodded.

"Brother, Ai Er wants to stay too!" the little girl piped up.

"Alright, silly girl, stay if you like," Lan An ruffled her head, handing her a bottle of Beauty Nourishing Pills, indulging her.

"Thank you, Brother!" Ai Er cheered, clutching the bottle.

"This girl's not simple," Cheng Bi and Bao Qiao thought. An invisible force shielded her, thwarting probes below Integration. They didn't bother involving an Integration expert to investigate a child, setting it aside.

"We'll search for the female Transcending Tribulation skeleton and remaining materials," they promised.

"Thanks again," Lan An clasped his hands, leading the women with Cheng Bi to a VIP room to await the materials.

Inside the Spirit Pearl, confirmed by Jin Ni to be free of surveillance, Lan An brought the four women in.

Ai Er danced joyfully, her eyes starry, rolling on the Palace Tree's clouds until she fell asleep, exhausted.

Lan An gazed at her fondly, then smiled at the three women. "Let's decorate our home!"

They nodded eagerly.

Xiao Qing Xuan waved, and east of the Palace Tree, she unleashed the Artificial Sea.

The Paradise Spring lay north of the Palace Tree.

Before their eyes, the sea expanded one zhang, ten, a hundred.

A vast ocean formed, its clear blue waters revealing the depths, framed by a crescent of fine white sand. Gentle waves lapped rhythmically.

"Gorgeous," the women praised.

Pristine coral reefs adorned the sea, with a small island sprouting coconuts and rocky outcrops, resembling a world-class resort from Lan An's past life. Crucially, the sea was shallow, only a hundred meters deep, its floor carpeted with vibrant sea stones.

"Not a bad purchase," the women said, enchanted.

Lan An grinned. "Name it."

His mind conjured images of his wives frolicking in swimwear on the sand—a divine paradise.

"Blissful Sea, to match Paradise Spring," Xiao Qing Xuan said without hesitation.

Lan An chuckled; her naming was straightforward.

Ji Ya, cool and reserved, offered no suggestions.

"How about Blissful Sea? Paradise and Bliss pair well," Shui Niang Qing said, her purple lips parting as her eyes sparkled.

"Perfect! Blissful Sea it is," Lan An laughed, pulling her into a kiss.

They moved south of the Palace Tree, unleashing the Four Seasons Mountain.

Boom

A colossal mountain, hundreds of zhang tall, rose majestically, nearly rivaling the Palace Tree's highest tier.

The Four Seasons Mountain was extraordinary, each section distinct. At its base, plum and peach blossoms bloomed vibrantly, the air cool yet warm spring's embrace. Higher, golden leaves and sultry heat marked summer. Near the peak, gentle rain drizzled romantically. At the summit, snowflakes and noble snow lotuses blanketed the ground winter's realm.

Four seasons, four mountain tiers a mythical spectacle made real.

Lan An roared with delight, pulling the women to soar upward. Each tier held an elegant wooden pavilion for enjoying the unique climates.

Divinely marvelous.

At the summit's pavilion, they caught cool snowflakes, utterly real. Little Lion sprawled on the snow, its white fur blending in, its tiny head peeking out adorably.

The snow, rain, and warmth were formed from spiritual energy. The Four Seasons Mountain absorbed the Spirit Pearl's aura to sustain its cycle.

As long as the Spirit Pearl had spiritual energy, the mountain would endure. Though limited to the mountain, not the entire Pearl, Lan An was satisfied.

"Meng Ying would love this," he mused.

Sipping hot tea with the women atop the snowy peak, admiring the scenic tiers below what could be better?

"Xiao Nan, releasing gentle wild beasts on the Four Seasons Mountain would be fun," Shui Niang Qing suggested.

"Indeed, and the Blissful Sea could host beautiful fish," Lan An agreed.

Second-stage demonic beasts needed no food or waste, making them ideal. The Pearl's dense spiritual energy would accelerate their growth.

After resting, Ji Ya headed west of the Palace Tree, releasing the Spirit Herb Field.

It expanded to forty square zhang, its fertile, aura-rich soil bare.

"Xiao Nan, wait," Xiao Qing Xuan flew to the field, planting hundreds of spirit herbs from Bai Yu City's purchases, vibrant in variety.

The field quickly gained life, no longer barren.

Ding "Fusion successful. Spirit Pearl upgraded beyond True-grade," the System announced.

"With the Palace Tree at the center Blissful Sea to the east, Spirit Herb Field to the west, Four Seasons Mountain to the south, Paradise Spring to the north," Lan An said, pleased.

For now, this sufficed. The Five Elements Mini-World depended on luck.

"I know spirit herbs but lack cultivation expertise," Xiao Qing Xuan said thoughtfully. "For the Harem to thrive, we need rare herbs grown ourselves, requiring a specialist."

"A herb cultivation expert?" Lan An's eyes gleamed.

The Lucky Shop occasionally offered single spirit herbs. If he bought, planted, and propagated them, the supply would be endless, ensuring Xiao Qing Xuan and her master could refine pills without shortage.

"Know any experts?" Lan An asked seriously. Anything aiding the Harem's growth was a priority.

"The Wood Spirit Clan, renowned universe-wide for herb cultivation, can even hasten growth. But they're absent from Yue Long Star," Jin Ni sighed.

"One clan here can commune with nature and hear plants' hearts," Ji Ya and Shui Niang Qing said in unison.

"Which clan?" Lan An and Xiao Qing Xuan asked eagerly.

The women exchanged glances, their lips parting: "The Elf Clan."